Michigan Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond for Vehicle or Watercraft

Get Your Michigan Title Bond

Who Is Required to Purchase a Michigan Title Bond?

A title bond is required when proof of ownership for a vehicle is not verifiable. Examples of scenarios when this is the case include:

• The original title has been damaged making it illegible
• The original title was filled out incorrectly and missing the original owners name
• The original title has ownership gaps where owners were not properly recorded
• The original title has been lost
• The title was not delivered after purchase

In any of these cases, a title bond is one of three options you have in Michigan to get the vehicle registered.

What 3 Options Do You Have to Register Your Vehicle?

Bonded Title

As we've mentioned, a bonded title is a vehicle title backed by a surety bond. I'll explain this in detail below, but this is the most common option.

A Court Order

You can get a court order awarding you ownership of the vehicle. This is a longer process with its own set of fees plus having to see a judge.

This option is not often used unless an estate is already in court or the scenario already involves the legal system.

Self Certify Ownership

You can claim the vehicle as yours if it meets the following rules:

• The vehicle is at least 10 years old
• The value of the vehicle is less than $2,500

You would just need to fill out form TR-205 Certificate of Ownership and prove the value of the vehicle either through a site like Kelly Blue Book or through a dealership appraising the vehicle.

In most cases, obtaining a bonded title is the fastest and least expensive option.

Let's go over what a surety bond is and why it's required for a bonded title in Michigan.

Why is a Michigan Title Bond Required?

Just to recap, a title bond is a legal contract you get claiming the vehicle is rightfully and legally your vehicle.

However, not everybody who is "claiming" ownership of a vehicle rightfully owns it. The title bond provides protection for:

• A previous owner who still legally owns the vehicle
• Any third party that has a lien against the vehicle

The Michigan Department of State will not issue a bonded title if there are any liens on the vehicle. All paper and electronic liens must be satisfied.

It's important to do your due diligence when purchasing any used vehicle.

The 3 Steps to Get a Bonded Title In Michigan

Click here to find all the required forms. You can download the title bond form, but when you purchase your title bond through us, we will complete your bond form correctly so it's accepted.

The 3 steps to get your Michigan title bond are:

• Step 1 - Get the value of your vehicle
• Step 2 - Purchase your surety bond
• Step 3 - Register your vehicle and get a bonded title

Step 1: Get The Value Of Your Vehicle

It's easiest to use one of the following websites to get the value of your vehicle:

• Kelly Blue Book (KBB)
• Edmunds Car Value

If these websites cannot provide with you with a value or you don't agree with the value, you can have a dealership provide an appraisal.

The title bond amount you're required to purchase is 2x the vehicle value.

For example, if KBB says your vehicle is worth $7,000 you'll need a title bond with an amount of at least $14,000.

We commonly recommend increasing the bond amount by $5,000. So in our example, the bond amount would be $19,000.

In most cases the price to purchase the bond does not change and this ensures the Department of State will accept the title bond.

If the price does change, we'll simply lower the amount.

Step 2: Purchase the Title Bond

The price of the title bond is based on the bond amount you calculated.

This price is determined by a surety. A surety is the insurance company that underwrites the title bond.

Use the table below or the price cards above to determine your price.

Why Do Bond Amounts Over $50,000 Require a Quote?

The larger the title bond amount, the greater the coverage required to bond the vehicle title.

It's also statistically more likely the vehicle may have been stolen. Vehicles with greater values are less likely to have title issues. However we've seen many cases through divorce or estate issues where valuable vehicles have missing or withheld titles.

In these cases, the surety will look at your personal credit as a measure of honesty and faithfulness.

From your credit, they will determine a rate and this rate multiplied by your bond amount is the price you pay.

This is what we do. We help our customers obtain their title bond fast and make sure they pay the lowest possible price.

How Can You Avoid Overpaying For Your Title Bond?

Each surety determines a rate using their own independent analysis. This means the rates different sureties quote will be different.

We have helped our clients find the lowest rate and save hundreds of dollars when purchasing a title bond.

We work with the highest A-rated sureties. This allows us to price shop for you so we can compare rates and find you the lowest possible price.

Instant Priced Title Bonds

You'll see on this page in most scenarios we offer low fixed prices with no credit check.

This means you can instantly purchase your title bond today and either download it instantly or have it emailed to you today.

Custom Priced Title Bonds

If you require a custom quote, we can get you pricing in less than one business day.

When you receive your pricing, you are under no obligation to purchase.

If you have poor or limited credit, let us help you. We have a lot of experience helping individuals obtain a lower priced title bond regardless of their credit standing.

How Long Does a Bonded Title in Michigan Last?

Michigan requires the bonded title to be active for 3 years.

When you purchase your title bond, it's one payment for all 3 years. There are no yearly fees.

This 3 year period of time allows any legitimate owner or lien holder to come forth and make a claim for the vehicle.

After the 3 year waiting period, the Department of Sate and your local Tag Office will issue you a standard title.

When this happens, the vehicle is officially yours and any future claims of ownership will be deemed immediately invalid.

Watch our YouTube video Short that quickly explains what a title bond is.

Step 3: Pay Applicable Fees And Get Your Vehicle Titled

Besides purchasing your title bond, the fees you may have to pay to the state of Michigan include:

• Release of lien fees
• Lien verification fees
• Title registration fees

The only step you need to take is showing proof of your title bond and the Department of State will issue you a bonded title.